Early Intervention Programs enhance the abilities of children who are developmentally at risk. These programs make a difference in their lives. Children from birth through their kindergarten year are recipients of child focused, family centered and community based programs.
Communities served are Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Olalla, Keremeos, Cawston, Hedley, Princeton, Coalmont, and Tulameen.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The Speech/Language program provides service to children who are referred for possible communication delays/disorders. Information is provided to caregivers concerning their child's understanding in use of language, as well as speech sounds.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY and PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES
The Occupational and Physiotherapy programs focus on assessment and development of movement skills, daily living skills, visual motor skills, and sensory processing abilities.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES
KINDERPLACE is a developmental early intervention preschool program which welcomes all children 2.5 to 5 years of age.
Experienced Early Childhood Educators who are uniquely skilled provide an enhanced play based program that meets the needs of children who are typical, gifted and those with special needs.
AUTISM TREATMENT SERVICES
A multidisciplinary team, which includes a Behaviour Coordinator, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Behaviour Assistants, offers a variety of individualized services to children up to six years of age who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition, some services are available for school-aged children. Therapy sessions are provided in the home and/or in the community.
PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIAL SERVICES
Our Child Psychologist provides assessment, counselling and therapy to children and their social network to achieve positive development in cognition, emotion, health and behaviour. A referral to the Child Psychologist is made when there are concerns about a child's intellectual and/or social/emotional development associated with health related issues.
As part of this program the Child and Family Worker and the Family Resource Worker act as resources and coordinators for families. Support may include referrals, education and advocacy to ensure a family centered approach to service delivery.